Admission Policies
Philosophy
Hagerstown Community College is an open door institution which admits students 16 years or older who can benefit from the learning experience at the college. Students are admitted without regard to race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability.
A student may be admitted to the College in general without being admitted to specific credit, non-credit, or oversubscribed programs. Credit degree, certificate, and letter of recognition programs may have additional eligibility requirements. Oversubscribed programs that have more eligible applicants than available capacity admit students based on uniformly applied admissions standards.
Gifted and Talented Students
Applicants under age 16 may be eligible to take credit courses if they have been identified as having exceptional academic ability. Most students admitted to HCC under this category have participated in The Johns Hopkins University Talent Search Program. For information about the talent search program call 410-735-4100 or go to www.jhu.edu/gifted. In order to apply to HCC, students must have completed seventh grade or the equivalent education.
Send an admissions application, official secondary school transcripts, ACT or SAT test scores, and any other documentation of outstanding abilities and maturity. An SAT score of 1800 or an equivalent score on a nationally accepted college entrance examination is required. A pre-admission interview with the student and parent or guardian and skills assessment are required also. Gifted and talented students are eligible to apply for financial aid in some circumstances.
College Entry Assessment and Course Placement Policy
Hagerstown Community College is committed to providing access to postsecondary education through an open door admission policy while maintaining high academic standards. Initial basic skills assessment and appropriate course placement are critical factors in student success.
First-Time College Students
First-time HCC applicants for admission into degree programs are required to be assessed for reading, writing, computer literacy, and mathematics proficiency prior to initial registration. Students will take the appropriate placement and assessment test as determined by the faculty and academic officers. Based on assessment scores, students will be placed in the appropriate level of developmental or college-level mathematics and English courses(s). See exemptions below.
Transfer Students
Transfer students with no current placement test scores or official transcripts will take the standard entry assessments test(s). See exemptions below.
Readmit Students
Readmit students and students who change from certificate to degree programs with no current placement test scores will take the standard entry assessment test(s). See exemptions below.
Entry assessment test scores are valid for two years. Developmental courses at the 100 level or below do not apply toward graduation requirements and are not calculated in students’ grade point averages. Skills assessments are administered in the Academic Testing Center on the third floor of the Learning Resource Center. Call 240-500-2398, or e-mail testing_center@hagerstowncc.edu. Information is available online at www.hagerstowncc.edu/testing.
Math Assessment Exemptions
- Students with an SAT math score of 550 or above
- Students with an ACT math score of 21 or above
- Test scores older than five years are not valid.
Reading/Writing Assessment Exemptions
- Student with an SAT critical reading score of 550 or above
- Students with an ACT English score of 21 or above
- Students who have passed a college-level English course
- Test scores older than five years are not valid.
Waivers from the Entry Assessment Requirement
- Students who have already earned a college degree from a regionally accredited higher education institution are exempt; however, students enrolling in programs with specific requirements may be required to take the mathematics assessment.
- Students enrolled at another college or university who have written approval from their home institution to take a course at HCC may be exempt. Some prerequisites may apply.
- Students not pursuing a degree, taking courses without prerequisites, are exempt.
- Students with special circumstances may petition for approval by faculty and division chairs and directors.
*Note: Students who are required to take the Human Anatomy and Physiology (BIO 103 ) Placement Test, contact the Science Learning Center at 240-500-2251, for information on when the test is available and for study materials.
Computer Access
In order to succeed with the programs of study at HCC, all students must have computer/Internet access and basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word. In order to assist those students who don’t have computers and Internet access at home, all students are given free access to these programs on campus, within the library, and in various open labs on the main campus.
Admission Procedures
All New Students
Students must submit an application for admission. Proof of residency may be required. The application and all supporting documents should be sent to the Office of Admissions and Registration. Applicants should send transcripts if they are enrolled in high school, graduated from high school or earned a GED within the last five years, want credits from another college or university transferred to HCC, or have prerequisite courses at another institution. ACT, SAT or college transcripts also must be sent if test scores or previous college courses provide exemption from all or portions of the skills assessment.
As part of the admission process, all degree-seeking students must schedule the skills assessment via the Web site at www.hagerstowncc.edu/testing.
High School Students
The ESSENCE Program
The ESSENCE Program is designed to give high academic achievers, who are 16 years of age or older and reside in Washington County, the opportunity to earn up to 12 credits of college-level coursework at a 50 percent tuition reduction while still in high school or home school. Developmental courses do not qualify for the tuition reduction. Unless arrangements have been made with the high school, students are responsible for paying college and course fees.
All students applying for the ESSENCE Program must:
- have the permission of a parent and their high school counselor and principal
- have a minimum GPA of 2.5
- take college placement tests
- have all necessary forms completed and submitted to the Office of Admissions and Registration
- be able to comply with the financial, scheduling, and transportation (for on-campus courses) requirements
- contact their high school counselor for dual-enrollment classes
Students in need of financial aid who are attending Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) are eligible to receive funds to cover the remaining 50 percent tuition with an ESSENCE scholarship through the HCC Foundation and the Community Foundation of Washington County. The Office of Institutional Advancement at HCC has more information on these scholarships. Call 240-500-2348.
Selected courses provide a dual-enrollment option, where students receive both high school and college credits for a course taken at the high school. In addition to the above ESSENCE requirements, all dual-enrollment students must:
- have a high school career plan to be a University of Maryland Completer and/or a Career Technology Education Completer if you are a WCPS student
- have completed all required Maryland State High School Assessments in the core and specialized area of study
- have written assurance from the high school principal that the course(s) taken at HCC will be accepted for high school credit
- have a signed ESSENCE form to send grade reports to WCPS
The ESSENCE II Program
The ESSENCE II Program is designed for high academic achievers who are currently in high school or home school, are 16 years of age or older and are out-of-county or out-of-state residents. Through the program, students have the opportunity to earn up to 12 credits of college-level coursework at a 25 percent reduction in the regular tuition rate that they would be charged based on residency.
All students applying through the ESSENCE II Program must:
- have the permission of a parent and their high school counselor and principal
- have a minimum GPA of 2.5
- take college placement tests
- have all necessary forms completed and submitted to the Office of Admissions and Registration
- be able to comply with the financial, scheduling, and transportation (for on-campus courses) requirements
- contact their high school counselor for dual-enrollment classes.
Advanced Placement (AP) Program
High school students who take AP courses available in their high schools may confirm that they have learned the equivalent of college level work by taking the appropriate advanced placement exam administered by the Educational Testing Service. Scores of 3, 4, and 5 are generally recognized for the granting of 3–8 credits depending on the course. HCC awards credits using the same criteria as many other colleges across the nation.
See here for more information.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Program
HCC will award incoming students, who have scores consistent with the list that faculty and academic officers deem appropriate, credits for International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations in the subject areas offered at HCC. See here for more information.
Articulated Credits
Students may be eligible to receive articulated college credit for having completed advanced coursework in certain area public schools, including those in Washington County, MD. Such course credit is posted to an HCC transcript once a 3-4 credit HCC course is successfully completed with the grade specified in the articulation agreement. No articulated credit can be awarded unless the student complies with the specific terms of the articulation agreement.
- Successfully complete the high school articulated course(s), per the articulation agreement.
- Complete the required HCC course(s) with the minimum grade designated in the articulation agreement.
- Apply for articulated credit within one year of high school graduation.
Articulation agreements are on file at the high schools and HCC.
While HCC maintains transfer agreements with many baccalaureate institutions, students should be aware that some institutions and programs might not accept college credits granted for high school work. Student should consult with an HCC advisor prior to transfer.
Students With No High School Diploma or GED
Applicants who are 16 years or older and have formally withdrawn from high school and have not earned a GED should schedule an appointment with the director of admissions, records and registration to determine the conditions under which they may enroll. Students without a diploma or GED are not eligible for financial aid.
Readmit Students
Students who were previously enrolled at the College in good academic standing, and have not attended for two or more years, must reapply to the college and meet all current admission requirements. Readmitted students are subject to the program requirements of the current catalog and academic year in which they re-enter.
Additional criteria for readmission to a health sciences program exist. Please check with an academic advisor for specific information.
Transfer Students
Applicants may be admitted with advanced standing from other regionally accredited institutions. Official transcripts from the applicants’ prior institutions should be sent directly to the Office of Admissions and Registration at HCC. After transcripts are submitted, the student must meet with an academic advisor and complete a Transcript Evaluation Request form. Upon completion of a three-credit course at HCC, transfer credits become part of the student’s official transcript at HCC. Credits accepted from other institutions satisfy graduation requirements at HCC. The course grades, however, are not calculated in the grade point average at HCC.
HCC adheres to the general education and transfer policies of the Maryland Higher Education Commission. (See Appendix , for General Education and Transfer Policy.)
Additional criteria for transfer into a health sciences program exist. Please check with academic advising for specific information.
Requirements for International Students Who Need Form I-20
Prior to the issuance of an I-20 and admission to Hagerstown Community College, applicants who are nonresidents of the U.S. must submit the following documents:
- An HCC application with a local sponsor’s address and the student’s address from his/her home country.
- A certified copy of high school and college transcripts in both the native language and an English translation if necessary. A course-by-course evaluation by World Education Services (WES) or AACRAO International Education Services (IES) is required.
- A statement of financial resources including the amount and source of funds to cover the student’s college expenses (Form I-134 Affidavit of Support). The approximate cost of tuition, fees, books, and living expenses is $16,000 per year. All F-1 students are classified as out-of-state residents for tuition purposes while an HCC student.
Students must have a local sponsor who will agree to provide housing, meals, and transportation. Hagerstown Community College has no on-campus housing, therefore, students must secure housing with a local sponsor. The local sponsor should be a close relative or other responsible individual.
- Students must obtain health insurance through a company of their choice. Student Secure and Compass are two options to meet the needs of international students. (www.internationalstudentinsurance.com and www.isoa.org)
- An official score report from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Students must attain a minimum score of 500 on the paper-based test, 173 on the computerbased test, or 65 on the Internet test.
- The College’s placement assessments are required once the student has been approved for an F-1 visa and arrives on campus.
The application and all supporting documents must be completed and submitted by May 15 for the fall semester, October 15 for the spring semester, and February 15 for the summer sessions.
Military Personnel
In addition to meeting the admissions policies and procedures for all new students, military personnel should submit either an AARTS (Army), SMART (Navy/Marines) or USCGI (Coast Guard) transcript, and forms DD214 and DD295, if applicable. HCC uses the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experience in the Armed Services to determine the award of transfer credit.
Servicemembers Opportunity College
The College is a member of the consortium of Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges. As such, HCC agrees to implement military friendly policies regarding the admission and transfer requirements of servicemembers.
Veterans
In addition to meeting all admission requirements, veterans should submit military form DD 214 and contact the Records Office for information related to benefits.
Maryland National Guard
In addition to meeting all admission requirements, active members of the Maryland National Guard need to have certification from the Maryland Adjutant General of active duty. This certification is presented when the student registers for classes and entitles the Guard member to special tuition provisions provided the student has two years of active duty remaining.
Oversubscribed Programs
Oversubscribed programs are those that have more eligible applicants than available capacity. Currently, these include nursing, practical nursing, and radiography. The policy for admission to these programs is based on a point system. Eligibility requirements for these programs must be met before applications can be submitted for consideration. Each of the following criteria will have the same approximate weight in every oversubscribed program admission point system:
- Grade point average (15-25%)
- Residency (5-10%)
- Course or Skill Requirements (65-80%)
The program chair/director and the director of admissions, records and registration determine admissions procedures based on these guidelines in order to maximize student success.
Appeal Process
A student may appeal an admissions decision by submitting a written rationale to the director of admissions, records and registration within fifteen work days after receiving notification of non-acceptance. Within ten work days, the director will render a decision.
A student may submit an additional written appeal to the dean of student affairs within five business days. The dean shall render a decision within five work days after the appeal is submitted. The decision of the dean shall be final.
Credit for Prior Learning and Experience
General Transfer Criteria
Transfer credit is posted to an HCC transcript after a student has completed one three-credit course at HCC and if one of the following criteria is met:
- The institution is regionally accredited by a commission on higher education. The college uses Transfer Credit Practices of Designated Educational Institutions published by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers.
- HCC has an articulation agreement with a business, school or industry. Articulation agreements specify award of credit for meeting certain criteria and presenting certain documents.
- The American Council on Education (ACE) has reviewed and recommended the course for credit. The following books are used to evaluate nontraditional credit:
The Directory of the National Program on Noncollegiate Sponsored Instruction, The Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services or the National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs.
College and University Transfer Credit
Credit is granted for course work completed at regionally accredited colleges and universities and that apply to the student’s program at HCC. Faculty may review courses taken more than ten years ago. Credit for courses accepted from other institutions satisfy HCC’s graduation requirements. The course grades, however, are not calculated in the grade point average at HCC. For students transferring from any University of Maryland system institution, all applicable general education coursework with a grade of “D” or above will be accepted in transfer. For program requirements, grades of “D” will be accepted only if the grade point average for the block of courses is 2.0 or higher. HCC will convert courses taken at institutions that operate on the quarter system to semester hours. Quarter hours are multiplied by 2/3 to equal semester hours.
Students may transfer up to 75 percent of their degree or certificate requirements. All transfer students working for a degree or certificate must take at least 25 percent of their credits at HCC.
Nontraditional Credit
Students may be awarded up to 30 credits for nontraditional coursework. Credit will not be awarded for equivalent courses completed at HCC or other institutions. After completing a three-credit course at HCC, the nontraditional credit is posted to the student’s HCC transcript.
Military Education and Training
Credit may be granted for a variety of formal military, technical and educational programs based on the student’s program at HCC. Official Community College of the Air Force, AARTS, SMARTS or USCGI transcripts and forms DD214 and DD295, if applicable, should be sent to the Office of Admissions and Registration.
Industry Certifications
Students with nationally recognized certifications, or those who have recieved specialized training through non-collegiate organizations can be awarded credits for prior learning.
Advanced Placement Examinations
These subject exams sponsored by the Educational Testing Service are usually administered through high schools at the completion of AP course offerings. HCC awards credits based on the AP exams and minimum scores listed below. Applicants for admission who have taken AP examinations should have an official copy of their scores sent to the Office of Admissions and Registration. To request an official AP score report, write to:
Advanced Placement Exams
P.O. Box 6671
Princeton, NJ 08541-6671
Visit the Web site at www.collegeboard.com/student
International Baccalaureate (IB) Examinations
These exams, sponsored by the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, are administered by IB teachers. HCC awards credits based on IB exams and scores listed below. For more information, visit www.ibo.org, or write to:
Americas/Global Centre
7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 200 West
Bethesda, MD 20814
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
CLEP is a national credit by examination program that provides individuals with the opportunity to receive credit for college level achievement acquired in a variety of ways. (DANTES will pay the CLEP fee for military personnel.) HCC awards credit for passing the CLEP tests that are listed below. CLEP exams are administered at HCC in the Academic Testing Center. For more information, call 240-500-2398.
Applicants for admission who have taken CLEP examinations should have an official copy of their scores sent to the Office of Admissions and Registration. Go to the Web site to obtain a Transcript Request Form or write to:
CLEP Transcript Service
P.O. Box 6600
Princeton, NJ 08541-6600.
Visit the Web site at www.collegeboard.com/clep.
Dantes Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)
DSST is a testing program available to anyone who wants to receive credit for college-level competencies gained through life-long learning. (DANTES will pay the DSST fee for military personnel.)
Further information regarding DSST is available in the Academic Testing Center at HCC as well as from the assistant director of admissions, records and registration. Official scores must be sent to the Office of Admissions and Registration. Visit the DSST Web site at www.getcollegecredit.com.
Excelsior College Examinations
ECEs have been evaluated and found worthy of credit by the American Council on Education. As such, HCC can award credit based on satisfactory scores on these exams. For more information about the offered exams visit http://www.excelsior.edu/ecapps/exams/creditByExam.jsf
Credit by Validation
Students may be awarded up to 15 credits for work and life experience as validated by HCC via Portfolios, Advanced Standing and/or Institutional (or Challenge) examinations. These credits cannot be used to fulfill the required minimum credits in residence for graduation.
Institutional Examinations
Institutional examinations (practical or written) are offered at HCC in selected subjects for which CLEP and DSST exams are not available. Students must be admitted to the college before taking an institutional exam. An examination fee is charged. An institutional exam per subject area may be taken only once and is arranged through the faculty and division chair or director.
Advanced Standing
By completing upper-level courses, students can demonstrate their prior knowledge and receive corresponding lower-level credits retroactively. Students must first meet with an appropriate faculty member and complete all paperwork before beginning the upper-level course. For more information, contact the Admissions Specialist for Prior Learning.
Credit by Portfolio
Students can present portfolios of their work history to appropriate faculty members to receive college credit. Portfolios can include writing/work samples, job descriptions, etc. Some certifications have already been evaluated and deemed appropriate for credit. For more information on these, please refer to “Industry Certifications” in the catalog.
| CLEP Exam |
Passing Score |
Credits |
Replaces |
| American Government |
50 |
3 |
POL 101 |
|
| American Literature |
50 |
3 |
ENG elective |
|
| Analyzing and Interpreting Literature |
50 |
3 |
ENG elective |
|
| Biology (General) |
50 |
8 |
BIO 101 & BIO 102 |
|
| Business Law: Introduction |
50 |
3 |
BUS 104 |
|
| Calculus |
50 |
4 |
MAT 203 |
|
| Chemistry (General) |
50 |
8 |
CHM 103 -CHM 104 |
|
| College Algebra |
50 |
3 |
MAT 101 |
|
| College Mathematics |
50 |
3 |
MAT 108 |
|
| College Composition |
50 |
3 |
ENG 101 |
|
| Educational Psychology: Introduction |
50 |
3 |
PSY 203 |
|
| English Literature |
50 |
3 |
ENG elective |
|
| Financial Accounting |
50 |
3 |
ACC 101 |
|
| French, Level 1 |
50 |
6 |
FRN 101 & FRN 102 |
|
| French, Level 2 |
62 |
12 |
FRN 101 –FRN 202 |
|
| German, Level 1 |
50 |
6 |
GER 101 & GER 102 |
|
| German, Level 2 |
63 |
12 |
GER 101 –GER 202 |
|
| History of the US 1 |
50 |
3 |
HIS 201 |
|
| History of the US 2 |
50 |
3 |
HIS 202 |
|
| Human Growth and Development |
50 |
3 |
PSY 204 |
|
| Humanities |
50 |
3 |
HUM elective |
|
| Information Systems and Computer Applications |
50 |
3 |
IST 102 |
|
| Macroeconomics, Principles of |
50 |
3 |
ECO 201 |
|
| Management, Principles of |
50 |
3 |
MGT 103 |
|
| Marketing, Principles |
50 |
3 |
MGT 104 |
|
| Microeconomics, Principles of |
50 |
3 |
ECO 202 |
|
| Natural Sciences |
50 |
6 |
BIO/PHS elective |
|
| Precalculus |
50 |
4 |
MAT 161 |
|
| Psychology, Introduction |
50 |
3 |
PSY 101 |
|
| Social Sciences and History |
50 |
6 |
SSC elective |
|
| Sociology, Introductory |
50 |
3 |
SOC 101 |
|
| Spanish, Level 1 |
50 |
6 |
SPN 101 & SPN 102 |
|
| Spanish, Level 2 |
63 |
12 |
SPN 101 –SPN 102 |
|
| Western Civilization 1 |
50 |
3 |
HIS 101 |
|
| Western Civilization 2 |
50 |
3 |
HIS 102 |
| |
|
|
|
Industry Certifications
HCC students who have passed nationally recognized certifications may be awarded credit for a related course. To receive credit for a course, the applicant must present an official certificate, license, or transcript indicating the course completed. The certificate, license, or transcript must specify date of completion.
| IT Industry Certification |
Acronym |
Exam |
Related HCC Course |
| Adobe Certified Associate |
ACA |
Visual Communication Using Photoshop CS6 Extended |
GDT 116 /ART 116 |
| National Center for Construction Education Research |
NCCER |
Documented completion of NCCER Plumbing Level One coursework and exam or Plumber Journeyman license or Master Plumber license |
INT 105 |
| American Welding Society |
AWS |
AWS Certified Welder Certification |
INT 106 |
North American Technician Excellence
National Center for Construction Education Research |
NATE
NCCER |
NATE Core HVAC Installation Exam or documented completion of NCCER HVAC
Level One coursework and exam or HVAC Journeyman license or Master HVAC license |
INT 107 |
| National Center for Construction Education Research |
NCCER |
Documented completion of NCCER Electrician Level One coursework and exam or Electrical Journeyman license or Master Electrician license |
|
| Internet and Computer Core Certification |
IC3 |
Students must pass all three exams to earn the certification.
- Computing Fundamentals
- Key Applications
- Living Online
|
IST 102 |
| CompTIA |
Linux+ |
Linux+ Exam |
IST 109 |
| Certified Wireless Network Administrator |
CWNA |
PWO-104 |
IST 140 |
| CompTIA |
A+
A+
Net+
Security + |
CompTIA A+ Essentials*
CompTIA A+ Practical Application*
Network + Exam
Security + Exam |
IST 150
IST 151
IST 154
IST 160 |
Cisco Networking Academy:
Cisco Certified Network Associate |
CCNA |
CCNA certification must be less than three years old. |
IST 155
IST 156
IST 255
IST 256 |
| Microsoft Certified Professional |
MCSA
MCSE
MCITP |
Specific exams are required to obtain certification that relates to each course.
Exams must be less than three years old. ** |
IST 260
IST 261
IST 262
IST 264 |
| Certified Information Systems Security Professional |
CISSP |
Exam is offered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2 |
IST 267 |
| Commercial Driver’s License |
CDL |
Current Class A license and current DOT certification |
TRK 115 |
| North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners |
NABCEP |
NABCEP PV Entry Level Exam |
AET 106 |
| International Maintenance Institute |
IMI |
Certified Maintenance Technician (CMT) |
INT 101 |
| Occupational and Safety Health Administration |
OSHA |
OSHA 10 and 30 hour training certificate |
INT 104 |
| International Society of Automation |
CCST |
ISA Certified Control Systems Technician Exam |
INT 213 |
| Microsoft Certified Application Specialist |
MOS
MOS
MOS
MOS |
Using Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2010
Using Microsoft Office Word Expert 2010
Using Microsoft Office Excel Expert 2010
Using Microsoft Office Access 2010 |
IST 103
IST 105
IST 106
IST 107 |
|
Instructions for students wishing to obtain Microsoft, IC3, CompTIA, or Cisco certifications
- Obtain voucher either from Prometric/VUE or purchase a discount voucher from the Business and Technology Testing Center, ATC 207 (240-500-2553).
- Visit the Prometric Web site at www.2test.com to schedule an exam appointment at HCC or any Prometric testing center. Contact www.pearsonvue.com for Cisco testing information.
- Two forms of identification including a picture ID are required before taking the exam(s).
Students wishing to obtain the Microsoft Certified Application Specialist credentials can contact extension 413 or visit www.certiport.com to begin the process.
* A+ exams taken prior to January 1, 2011 do not have an expiration date. A+ exams taken after Jan. 1, 2011 must be renewed in three years in compliance with CompTIA’s Continuing Education Program.
** Applies to currently supported operating systems only.
|
Articulation Agreements
The college maintains special articulation arrangements with various schools, colleges and universities that address course-to-course articulation for non-regionally accredited institutions. For more information, contact the office of the vice president of academic affairs at 240-500-2231.
HCC/WCPS
Hagerstown Community College and Washington County Public Schools have an articulation agreement that awards college credit for selected WCPS coursework.
To receive credit for these courses, students must have earned a specific grade as designated in the various agreements and in some cases be enrolled in a specific program. Students must submit an articulation agreement form signed by the appropriate high school instructor within 12 months of their high school graduation and after completing one three-credit course or the specified course(s) in the articulation agreement at HCC. Forms and additional information are available from the Office of Admissions, Records and Registration at HCC and from the Washington County high school guidance offices.
Tech-Prep
HCC and the WCPS have jointly developed an educational plan for several career program options. These plans and course articulation agreements are available from the Office of Admissions, Records and Registration and from the Washington County high school guidance offices.
Out-of-State High Schools
HCC has articulation agreements with selected out-of-state high schools. Out-of-state students should contact the Office of Admissions, Records and Registration to determine if they are eligible. Students need to do this within one year of their high school graduation.
Transfer from Hagerstown Community College
Students need to plan early for transfer to a four-year college or university. The academic advisement staff offers transfer advising and can help students make a smooth transition from HCC to another institution.
Maryland Colleges and Universities
The Code of Maryland (Title 13B) stipulates that students graduating from HCC with an A.A., A.A.S., or A.S. or who have completed 56 or more credit hours will not be denied admission to another public institution in Maryland if they have obtained a 2.0 cumulative grade point average. Students have the option of attending any of the 13 schools. Space restrictions, academic major requirements, and other restrictions may apply. Contact an academic advisor for more information. Students can also attend the University of Maryland System campus at Hagerstown to complete their bachelor’s degree and/or master’s degree in specified majors. For more information, contact USM Hagerstown at 240-527-2060.
ARTSYS is a computerized articulation system for Maryland’s public colleges and universities. Many private Maryland colleges and universities have also joined ARTSYS. Students can determine what courses to take at HCC to transfer to a Maryland college or university of their choice. ARTSYS can be accessed by going to http://artweb.usmd.edu.
Out-of-State Colleges and Universities
HCC has articulation agreements with a number of West Virginia and Pennsylvania institutions to make transfer planning easy for HCC students. Additionally, with proper planning students can have their HCC credits transferred to any college or university in the United States.
Dual Admissions
HCC participates in several special transfer agreements called dual admission programs in which students can be concurrently admitted to HCC and a four-year institution if certain conditions have been met. This facilitates a seamless transition from HCC to the four-year institution. Some agreements are with HCC and the following institutions:
Frostburg State University
Penn State Harrisburg
Shepherd University
Shippensburg University
University of Maryland, University College
Registration
Class Schedules
HCC offers three full semesters each year, allowing students more options in reaching their educational goals. During each fall and spring semester, courses are offered in the traditional 15-week session and select courses are offered in 5, 7.5, and 10-week sessions. During the summer term, the College also offers multiple sessions of different duration to accommodate student needs. Students should be aware that not all classes are offered every semester. Class schedules are mailed several times throughout the year to all residents of Washington County, as well as residents in parts of Franklin County, PA, and Berkeley County, WV.
Registration
New Students
All new students must meet with an academic advisor prior to registration. Advisors review assessment results, give you information on program requirements and help you select courses that are appropriate for your educational goals. After completing the advising appointment, new students will register online via WebAdvisor. In addition, new students should attend a new student orientation just before the start of the fall or spring semester. Additional information about this orientation can be obtained by calling 240-500-2225, or from the class schedule.
Returning Students/Web Registration
Returning students are required to register via Web Advisor. In the event a student does not remember his or her user ID and password, he or she must call 301-791-6891. In order to receive confirmation of registration, students must open an email account via the College’s Web site.
Instructions on how to register via the Web are on the Hagerstown Community College homepage www.hagerstowncc.edu. Personal assistance is also available at the Welcome Center in the ASA Building.
Returning Students
Returning students need an advisor’s signature only if they have been placed on academic probation or been academically dismissed.
Enrollment Status
Students who are registered for 12 or more credits are considered full-time. Students who are registered for less than 12 credits are part-time.
A student who has successfully completed 30 semester hours of work in an approved curriculum is eligible for sophomore standing.
Prerequisites
Many courses have prerequisites listed. The prerequisite course listed is to ensure that students have the appropriate knowledge before beginning the next course.
Auditing Courses
Courses taken for audit do not receive a grade or credit. Students audit a course by checking the appropriate box on the registration form. Regular tuition and fees are charged. Courses can be changed from audit to credit within the first 20 percent of the term. Courses can be changed from credit to audit until the last day to withdraw and students will receive an “AU” grade. Students who have audited a course may repeat it for credit.
Adding/Dropping Courses
The class schedule and HCC Web site should be consulted for all add/drop deadlines. Failure to officially drop/withdraw from a course results in a grade of “F” and forfeiture of tuition and fees. This may be done via the WebAdvisor or by submitting the appropriate forms to the Office of Admissions and Registration. Students receiving financial aid, who drop/withdraw from a course, need to notify the Financial Aid Office.
Full and Cancelled Courses
Students should register early to have the courses and sections of their choice. Seats in classes are available on a first-come, firstserve basis. Courses may be cancelled due to insufficient enrollment. In the event that a course is cancelled, students will be notified. Students may elect to enroll in another course or request a refund, following set procedures.
Change of Program
Students who change their academic program, change their status from non-degree to degree or certificate seeking, or who interrupted their studies and have not attended HCC in the last two years, are subject to the program requirements of the current catalog and academic year when the change is made. Students must complete a change of program of study form in WebAdvisor.
Change of Address
To officially change a name, address, or telephone number, students should go to WebAdvisor. Proof of residency is required for address changes into Maryland.
Student Identification
All students are required to have photo ID cards to use the computer labs, library, and many other facilities on the campus. Students must bring a copy of their class schedule with them to obtain their identification cards. Students get their ID cards in the Student Center. Dates and times are listed in the class schedule.
Student E-mail Accounts
New students receive access to an e-mail account via the HCC Web site. Once an account has been established students can access their accounts at HCC, home, work or public libraries.
Files and e-mail messages created or stored on equipment or media owned by Hagerstown Community College are the property of the College. Users are cautioned that files or e-mail messages stored on College equipment are not private. The College may monitor, audit, and review files, directories, and communications to maintain system integrity and to ensure that equipment and systems are used in accordance with College policies and applicable federal and state laws.
Distance Learning
Hagerstown Community College understands that due to busy schedules students find it difficult to attend classes on campus or may need to take a course that may not be offered at a convenient time. Distance learning courses may provide an option for selected courses.
Online Courses
Online courses allow students the flexibility of deciding the time and place of course delivery. When taking an online course there are many factors involved to ensure a successful experience. Students must have basic computer skills, access to a computer with an Internet connection and an e-mail address. Each course will also have a list of system and software requirements. Students may need to come to campus for scheduled meetings and/or exams. Online courses demand that students be able to learn and work independently and be able to meet deadlines. Check the current class schedule for course offerings.
Hybrid Courses
A hybrid course is a blend of face-to-face instruction with online learning. In a hybrid course, a significant part of the course learning is online and as a result, the amount of classroom seat-time is reduced.
Off-Campus Studies
The College provides alternative locations to earning credit on campus. Courses are regularly offered each semester at the College’s Valley Mall Center and periodically at Chambersburg Hospital (PA), Waynesboro Hospital (PA), Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, Greencastle-Antrim High School (PA), and in Hancock, MD. Please check the current class schedule for availability. HCC’s Commercial Vehicle Transportation Program is offered at a training facility and driving range located at the Hagerstown Volvo/Mack plant. The Valley Mall Center is staffed Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and occasional Saturday hours. For more information, call HCC’s Valley Mall Center at 240-500-2565. |
